Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top Revolver: A Journey Back to the American Frontier

For those who cherish the rich history of the American Old West, the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top .45 Colt revolver stands as an unparalleled embodiment of frontier spirit and historical authenticity. This meticulously crafted reproduction is designed to captivate the hearts of historical firearm collectors, dedicated cowboy action shooters, and enthusiasts eager to own a piece of the past. It offers a tangible connection to the era of gunslingers, cattle drives, and the untamed wilderness, bringing the legacy of iconic firearms to life in the hands of today's discerning owners.

Imagine the thrill of participating in a cowboy action shooting competition, where the unmistakable crack of a .45 Colt reverberates through the air, echoing the sounds of a bygone era. Or perhaps you envision yourself as a historical re-enactor, striving for the utmost accuracy in your portrayal of a 19th-century frontiersman or lawman. The Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top revolver is engineered precisely for these scenarios, bridging the gap between historical reverence and modern performance. It solves the perennial quest for a firearm that not only performs reliably but also delivers an immersive, authentic experience, allowing you to truly feel the weight of history.

Why Choose an 1872 Open-Top Revolver? Unpacking Its Historical Significance

The year 1872 marked a pivotal moment in firearm design. While the legendary Colt Single Action Army, often referred to as the "Peacemaker," would soon dominate the market, the 1872 Open-Top revolver represents Colt's crucial transitional design. It was a direct evolution from earlier percussion revolvers, incorporating a metallic cartridge system while retaining the elegant open-top frame that defined many of its predecessors. This design choice, where the barrel is simply strapped to the cylinder pin, offered a unique aesthetic and allowed for a simpler manufacturing process compared to the later solid-frame designs.

For the modern enthusiast, understanding this historical context is key to appreciating the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top. It’s not just a firearm; it’s a living artifact, a testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century gunsmiths adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving frontier. This specific model, known by its internal designation "0916," faithfully reproduces the original design, ensuring that every detail, from the contour of the grip to the placement of the ejector rod, aligns with historical accuracy. Owning such a piece allows you to delve deeper into the narrative of the Old West, making it an invaluable addition for anyone passionate about American history and firearms.

Exploring the Core Features: Precision, Performance, and Authenticity

What are the defining characteristics that make the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top such a sought-after replica? Let's delve into its critical components and finishes, each contributing to its unique appeal and functionality.

The Potent .45 Colt (LC) Caliber

At the heart of this formidable revolver is its chambering in .45 Colt, often referred to as .45 Long Colt (LC). This cartridge is synonymous with the Old West, renowned for its stopping power and popularity among cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Its historical prevalence makes it the ideal choice for an authentic 1872 Open-Top reproduction, ensuring that the shooting experience mirrors that of the original.

Why is the .45 Colt still relevant today? For cowboy action shooters, it's a staple, providing a powerful yet manageable recoil for fast follow-up shots. For collectors, it ensures period correctness. Its versatility also means that modern, low-pressure loads can be safely enjoyed, making it suitable for regular range use without undue stress on the firearm. Whether you're aiming for accuracy on targets or simply enjoying the resonant thud of a classic cartridge, the .45 Colt delivers an unparalleled experience.

The Distinguished 7.50" Barrel Length

The 7.50-inch blued barrel is a hallmark of this model, providing several key advantages that enhance both its historical fidelity and shooting performance. This length was common on many military and civilian revolvers of the era, offering an excellent balance between portability and accuracy.

• Enhanced Accuracy: A longer barrel typically results in a longer sight radius, which significantly aids in precise aiming. This is crucial for competitive shooting or simply hitting your mark consistently at the range.
• Optimal Velocity: The extended barrel allows for more complete combustion of propellant, leading to higher muzzle velocities for the .45 Colt cartridge. This translates to better ballistic performance downrange.
• Historical Authenticity: The 7.5-inch barrel is historically accurate for many of the period's "Army" models, reinforcing the revolver's true-to-form replication of its ancestor.

This specific barrel length contributes significantly to the overall balance and feel of the revolver, making it a joy to handle for both experienced shooters and those new to single-action firearms.

The Artistry of Blued Cylinder & Barrel and Color Case Hardened Steel Frame

The visual appeal of the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top is immediately striking, thanks to its combination of finishes.

• Blued Cylinder & Barrel: The deep, lustrous bluing on the cylinder and barrel is a classic firearm finish that not only protects the steel from corrosion but also imparts a timeless elegance. This rich, dark finish was standard for many 19th-century firearms and contributes significantly to the authentic appearance of the replica. It absorbs light, giving the revolver a sophisticated and historically accurate look.
• Color Case Hardened Steel Frame: Perhaps the most captivating feature is the color case hardened (CCH) steel frame. This traditional hardening process involves heating steel in a carbonaceous material, creating a hardened surface that is resistant to wear. As a beautiful byproduct of this process, the steel takes on a unique, swirling pattern of vibrant blues, purples, browns, and grays. No two CCH frames are exactly alike, meaning each Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top revolver possesses its own unique fingerprint of color and character. This not only enhances the revolver's beauty but also faithfully reproduces a hallmark of original Colt firearms, making it highly desirable for collectors seeking genuine historical details.

These finishes are not merely cosmetic; they are a testament to the quality and historical faithfulness that Taylors & Company invests in its reproductions, ensuring that the revolver is not only visually stunning but also built to last.

The Comfortable Walnut Army Size Grip

The final touch on this exquisite reproduction is the Walnut Army Size Grip. Crafted from genuine walnut, the grip provides a classic aesthetic and a comfortable, ergonomic hold. The "Army Size" designation refers to the larger, more robust grip frame typical of military-issue revolvers of the mid-19th century, designed to accommodate a firmer grasp and manage the recoil of potent calibers like the .45 Colt.

• Ergonomics: The grip's contours are designed to naturally fit the hand, offering a secure and comfortable hold essential for accurate shooting and prolonged handling.
• Aesthetics: The rich grain of the walnut complements the blued and CCH finishes, adding to the revolver's overall historical authenticity and visual appeal.
• Durability: Walnut is a traditional and durable wood choice for firearm grips, known for its longevity and ability to withstand the rigors of regular use.

The grip provides a crucial interface between the shooter and the firearm, ensuring that handling is intuitive and enjoyable, whether you're drawing from a holster or lining up a shot.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top?

This particular revolver is more than just a firearm; it's a specialized tool and a collector's dream. It caters to a distinct audience looking for specific qualities.

• Cowboy Action Shooters: For participants in single-action shooting sports like SASS (Single Action Shooting Society), the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top is an exceptional choice. Its historical accuracy makes it eligible for various categories, while its smooth action and comfortable grip contribute to faster, more accurate target engagement. It's built to withstand the demands of competitive use while delivering that essential "Old West feel."
• Historical Re-enactors: Authenticity is paramount for re-enactors. This revolver's faithful reproduction of the original 1872 Colt Open-Top, complete with period-correct finishes and design elements, makes it an ideal prop or functional firearm for historical portrayals and living history events. It helps complete a period-accurate impression.
• Firearm Collectors & Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance of classic firearms will find this revolver to be a valuable addition to their collection. Its unique transitional design, combined with Taylors & Company's commitment to detail, makes it a significant piece in the evolution of American firearms.
• Western Americana Aficionados: Anyone with a passion for the American frontier, its history, and its iconic tools will find deep satisfaction in owning this revolver. It serves as a tangible link to an era that continues to capture the imagination.

Why Choose Taylors & Company for Your Historical Revolver?

Taylors & Company has established itself as a premier name in the world of historical firearm reproductions. Their reputation is built on an unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and precision. When you invest in a Taylors & Company revolver, you are acquiring a product that reflects years of dedication to faithfully recreating the firearms that shaped American history.

• Uncompromising Quality: Taylors & Company uses high-grade materials and meticulous manufacturing processes to ensure their reproductions are not only historically accurate but also durable and reliable for modern use.
• Historical Accuracy: They go to great lengths to ensure their replicas are true to the original designs, paying attention to every detail, from screw patterns to grip contours, providing an experience that is as close as possible to handling a firearm from the past.
• Trusted Brand: With a long-standing history of producing high-quality Western firearms, Taylors & Company is a trusted name among collectors and shooters alike, known for their consistency and customer satisfaction.

The Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top is a testament to this legacy, offering a blend of historical accuracy and modern manufacturing excellence that few others can match. It is a genuine investment in a piece of living history, ready for the range or display.

Common Questions About the 1872 Open-Top Revolver

Understanding the nuances of a historical replica can sometimes lead to questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked inquiries about revolvers like the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top, providing clarity for potential owners.

• What defines an "Open-Top" revolver, and how does it differ from a "Solid-Frame" design?
  An "Open-Top" revolver, like the 1872 Colt, features a frame where the barrel is attached directly to the cylinder pin, which passes through a cutout in the top of the frame. This design, while elegant, can be less robust for very powerful cartridges than later "solid-frame" designs (like the Colt Single Action Army), where the frame extends over the top of the cylinder, providing more structural rigidity. The Open-Top design was a direct evolution from percussion revolvers and was a significant step towards metallic cartridge firearms.
• Is the .45 Colt (LC) a suitable cartridge for modern shooting, and how easy is it to find ammunition?
  Absolutely. The .45 Colt remains a popular and widely available cartridge, especially among cowboy action shooters and enthusiasts of classic firearms. Modern manufacturers produce safe and reliable .45 Colt ammunition, often in loads specifically tailored for replica firearms. It offers a satisfying shooting experience with manageable recoil for most shooters. Ammunition can be readily found at most sporting goods stores and online retailers.
• How does a color case hardened finish differ from bluing, and what maintenance do they require?
  Bluing is a chemical process that creates an oxidized layer on the steel surface, providing corrosion resistance and a dark, uniform appearance. Color case hardening, on the other hand, is a traditional heat-treating process that hardens the surface of the steel while imbuing it with unique, swirling patterns of color (blues, purples, browns). While both offer some protection, neither is entirely impervious to rust. Both finishes require regular cleaning and light oiling to prevent corrosion and maintain their aesthetic appeal. It's particularly important to keep CCH surfaces clean and oiled, as their unique beauty is best preserved with diligent care.
• What makes the Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top a valuable replica for collectors and shooters?
  Its value stems from a combination of factors:
  
  • Historical Accuracy: It faithfully reproduces a pivotal transitional firearm in American history.
  • Quality Craftsmanship: Taylors & Company is known for its high standards in manufacturing, ensuring durability and reliability.
  • Authentic Experience: For re-enactors and cowboy action shooters, it provides a truly immersive experience that matches the look and feel of the original era.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of blued steel and the unique color case hardened frame makes it a visually stunning firearm.
  • Functionality: It's a fully functional firearm, capable of safe and enjoyable shooting with appropriate ammunition.

The Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top .45 Colt revolver is more than just a gun; it's a testament to history, a tool for sport, and a beautiful collector's item. It embodies the essence of the American West, meticulously recreated for today's enthusiasts. Available at DEGuns, this exceptional firearm awaits those ready to embrace its legacy.

Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Taylors & Company 1872 Open-Top
Caliber	.45 Colt (LC)
Capacity	6 Rounds
Barrel Length	7.50 Inches
Cylinder/Barrel Finish	Blued Steel
Frame Finish	Color Case Hardened Steel
Grip Material	Walnut
Grip Style	Army Size
Action Type	Single Action
UPC	839665009164
Manufacturer Model	0916